The Sacred Mosque
When discussing the most beautiful mosque in the world, one inevitably thinks of the Sacred Mosque, located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically in Mecca. This mosque is not only one of the largest on Earth but also holds profound spiritual significance, with an expansive area of 400,800 square meters. It has the capacity to accommodate nearly four million worshippers at one time. It is noteworthy that the initial construction was led by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail, peace be upon them. Additionally, the Sacred Mosque is frequently mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, including the verse: “And from wherever you go out, turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque. And indeed, it is the truth from your Lord, and Allah is not unaware of what you do.”
The Prophet’s Mosque
The Prophet’s Mosque is situated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically in Medina. Its significance in the hearts of Muslims is immense, as it was built by our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, along with his noble companions. This mosque ranks second in terms of size and religious importance, following the Sacred Mosque. Its significance is further elevated by the fact that it houses the body of the Prophet in a location marked by a distinctive green dome, with the wooden dome constructed over the grave in the year 1279 AH.
Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is universally acknowledged for its beauty and global significance. It is recognized as the first Qibla for prayer (the first of the two Qiblas), and ranks third in terms of sanctity following the Sacred Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque. It is here where the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, experienced the miraculous night journey to the heavens. Notably, this mosque was built forty years after the Sacred Mosque, as stated in authentic traditions. According to various accounts, it was initially constructed by Prophet Adam, peace be upon him, with subsequent renovations by many prophets, including Ibrahim, Ishaq, Yaqub, and Sulayman, peace be upon them. It is also important to note that the term “Al-Aqsa Mosque” encompasses the entire sacred compound in Jerusalem, including buildings like the Dome of the Rock, which was erected during the Umayyad period.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
This magnificent religious structure was erected at the beginning of the 17th century and is commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque, due to the color of its interior marble. The mosque is distinguished by its 260 colorful stained glass windows, allowing light to beautifully reflect off the shiny ceramic tiles adorned with floral patterns, tulips, and carnations.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Located in the United Arab Emirates, specifically in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has earned its place among the top tourist attractions worldwide for two consecutive years. Throughout the year, this mosque draws large numbers of visitors. Notable features of its design include numerous domes, its striking color, handmade carpets, and a grand chandelier crafted from gold and crystal, among other remarkable details.